Gods in Alabama

This book was a little disappointing. The opening sentence is fantastic. (See my favorite quotes.) The first chapters were OK - a little uneven but definitely interesting. The middle chapters of the book, which really lay out the mystery of the main character Arlene's past and her relationship with her cousin and Aunt, are great. However, the ending was soooo predictable. Midway through the book I thought, “If this is how she ends the book, I will be disappointed.” It was, and I was. But mainly because that first sentence is so damn good, she really sets the bar high. The book is worth reading because it's a nice alternative to traditional southern women's fiction. It's not at all cutesy. Another good one along similar lines (though without the mystery element) is My Summer of Southern Discomfort by Stephanie Gayle.